Under the hood DIY

I can't afford much so I'm looking at older/ higher mileage vehicles, probably 2010ish Subaru Forester. I don't have a mechanic to check over the car for me, but I know a little about cars- I've done maintenance & a few repairs on my 02 Forester myself. I plan on bringing my jack, stands, flashlight, rags & my code reader. What all should I be checking?
I figure look at oil & ATF dipsticks, & the coolant tank, to make sure the fluids look normal. Check the engine compartment & exhaust for leaks/drips & excessive rust, start & run the engine to listen for knocks, squeaks, regular idling, that the fan kicks on when it's warmed up. Drive it to make sure it shifts smoothly, no shaking, no codes are thrown, get a feel for the brakes & suspension, make sure no noises coming from there. Try out all the accessories to make sure they work. Look over the body & undercarriage for rust. Am I missing anything?

Posted Jul 28, 2025, 6:09 PM UTC

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